[Clutch]

Ok. First my name is Dan. Here is the back story and my question.

2009 i was setting fence posts. We were core drilling about 4 foot deep driving through asphalt and rock so the posts took some persuasion to get down the hole. Using a two handled post driver weighing roughly 30-40 pounds. I came down with it and raised it back up well in doing so it got tangled in the string line or something don't remember for sure. All i know is it hit me right above my left ear. Left a bit of a dent. I didn't pass out atleast if i did it wasn't but a split second. I also continued working that day and drove home. Drove to my sisters graduation. Looking back probably not my smartest move. Guess i'll chalk it up to being young and dumb.

Later that weekend i'm helping my aunt move and i back my pickup up to her storage unit. I start seeing two truck beds as i look out the rear window. I go to the ER they tell me after a ct scan i think it was that everything looks fine. This was in June. So come August i have a mental breakdown. Ever since that post driver to the head i have had issues with memory, chronic pain, got diagnosed bipolar, have addiction issues. In 2010 i had an EEG i think it was done but nothing "abnormal" was seen.

What i'm getting to is this. I'm starting back in to college after a couple years off to get my hips fixed. I know 21 and needing hips fixed but that's another thread. lol. So i'm back to college and i'm having issues just like i did in highschool with math. I was really good at math before this injury and basically i lost everything i had learned. I tried relearning it and i could learn it one day and forget it the next. That's the same problem i'm having now. I never used to do this but now i flip numbers around. I constantly have to triple check my math, or writing part numbers working on cars i have to check it multiple times otherwise i flip them around. Never had this issue before i got hit.

Also i will say i played football as a kid for one year and i took some hard hits. I don't recall ever blacking out but there may have been one time and seeing as my coaches were jerks when i came to if i did black out i probably said i was fine and ignored it.

So my question is do any of you think there is merit to me possibly having issues resurfacing from that injury in 2009? I have done research and i see where i do have some of the symptoms as far as memory loss, lots of headaches, ringing in the ears,my hearing isn't the best. I really have to decide if this needs to be looked into. I'm not giving up on college a second time especially since i'm going for automotive repair which i love. I just need to figure out what can be done.

[Mark in Idaho]

Clutch,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sounds like you have had a rough experience. The anesthesia from hip surgeries likely did not help.

I suggest you not worry about the past and instead focus on moving forward. Nobody can give you any answers about your past injuries except to say, "You should take your education slow." Do not push to accomplish too much too fast. You will not retain the information well if you push too hard. You likely will retain info much better in a hands on setting. Try to turn every learning situation into a hands on situation.

You might seek some educational help similar to what people with dyslexia need. You struggles are similar. There are ways you can overcome many of your struggles with the right learning/studying tricks.

Your biggest task is learning how your brain learns. Once you learn how to learn, you will do much better.

So, go ahead and go for your goal. Just take it slow and enjoy the learning process.

My best to you.

[Clutch]

Thanks for the welcome. I never did really consider the anesthesia from surgery not being helpful. Makes sense though i mean if the stuff is strong enough to knock you out i'm sure it could mess with the brain. I also did start into a 2 year downward spiral mentally after the first hip surgery.

I'm guessing as far as the hands on setting that's probably why i do better in automotive courses. It helps i already know a good amount but the hands on makes it easier i suppose. Sadly i don't think i can take it slow with my courses. They are jamming these two math courses down my throat to get me up to speed for the course i actually need for the degree, which i have looked at that course and it already has me wanting to run to the hills. I think if i could just use a calculator it would help a lot but the developmental math department at my college is anti calculator unless you have a documented disability. So i'm not sure which way to go with it all i know is at times it makes me wanna pull my hair out.

[Mark in Idaho]

clutch,

Have you ever checked out a KhanAcademy tutorial for the math you struggle with ? It is a very good way to learn complex concepts. Here is the link: https://www.khanacademy.org/ It is free and you go at your own pace.

Otherwise, getting a diagnosis of memory dysfunction and other cognitive struggles should just be a matter of getting properly assessed. A Neuro Psychological Assessment could target these issues.

I have had to relearn mental math many times due to concussion issues. You can do it. There are brain training games for smart phones and tablet computers. It is worth a try.

Also, try closing your eyes when you need to think clearly. It may amaze you at the mental clarity you can develop. It takes some training to teach your brain to shut off the visual processing when your eyes are closed but once you develop this skill, it is like turning on a turbo boost to your brain power. Visual processing can take up to 30% of brain power. Learning to quickly transfer that brain power to other systems can be life changing.

Spend some time with the disabilities department at school and see if you can find some ways to enhance your learning. Explaining a need for 'multi-sensory' learning will be understood. They may have established programs. Those with dyslexia need similar assistance.

With time, you can learn to understand your learning style and needs.

My best to you.

[Clutch]

Well progress was made. Sort of. My instructor really encouraged me to go see disability services. So gonna get in touch with them. Thankfully she said until i figure that out for class work on the computer program we use for math i can use a calculator if needed.

The program loves to give these huge numbers that i just can't get my head to crunch. Thankfully she said any of the written work for the class they use logical every day numbers. So thankfully progress is being made. I was worried it was gonna be a repeat of highschool where the school didn't care a bit about me. Thankfully this instructor cares. Makes life so much easier even if i can't remember all the math atleast i'm being heard.